Obituaries

Joan K. Curran, 91, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, after a sudden illness. Her passing was unexpected, but she passed with peace, dignity, and the love of her family around her.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. She was a strong Italian woman with a gentle heart — the kind of woman who never complained and always put others before herself. Those who knew her will remember her warmth, kindness, quiet strength, and deep love for her family.

Joan adored her husband, Tom Curran, a United States Marine and Korean War veteran, who passed away in 1990. She spoke of him lovingly every day after his passing, and her family takes comfort knowing she is now reunited with him. Their love and the values they lived by helped shape the life of their only son, Tommy, who feels blessed to have been raised by such loving and strong parents.

As a mother, Joan was loving, protective, and devoted. She raised Tommy to be independent, strong, and caring. She was always there for him — guiding him, checking on him, encouraging him, and loving him unconditionally.

Joan was very proud of her grandchildren, Jennifer and Matthew. She was proud of Jennifer’s work as a nurse and loved Matthew’s music, especially going to his shows whenever she could. Her family brought her great joy.

Education and service were important parts of Joan’s life. At the age of 46, she went back to school and became valedictorian of her class. She went on to become a special education teacher, a career that reflected her patience, compassion, and desire to help others. She later earned her master’s degree and was only one paper short of completing her PhD.

Joan also gave back to her community through her involvement with the Lions Club and other acts of service. She believed in helping people and lived her life with kindness, dignity, and purpose.

Joan held a special place in her heart for Tommy’s partner, Yana, whose love, kindness, and care meant so much to her and to the family. The way Yana treated Joan with tenderness and respect will always be remembered with gratitude.

Joan’s family will remember her as loving, kind, strong, and selfless. They truly do not make women like her anymore. Her love, lessons, and spirit will remain with all who knew her.

Joan will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Tom, at Calverton National Cemetery in Long Island.

A Mass of Christian Bural will be celebrated at St. James RC Church in Red Bank, New Jersey, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank New Jersey, has been entrusted with the arrangements.